Funding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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funding

[หˆfสŒndษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

financial support

Funding refers to the act of providing resources, usually financial, to support a project, organization, or individual. It typically involves the allocation of money or other assets to enable the recipient to carry out their activities. Funding can come from various sources, such as government grants, private investors, or crowdfunding campaigns.

Synonyms

backing, financing, investment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
funding

This word is commonly used to describe financial support provided for a specific project or cause, often by an organization, government, or donor.

  • The startup received funding from several venture capital firms.
  • We need more funding to continue our research.
financing

This term is often used in a business or investment context, referring to how funds are raised to support a project, purchase, or operation. It emphasizes the process of obtaining funds.

  • The new shopping mall is under construction, thanks to bank financing.
  • They are looking for financing options to expand their business.
investment

Investment refers to the act of putting money, time, or effort into something with the expectation of a return, often used in financial markets or referring to support for businesses or initiatives.

  • Her investment in real estate paid off handsomely.
  • They made a significant investment in new technology.
backing

Use 'backing' when describing support, which may be financial or moral, from individuals or organizations. It often implies confidence and endorsement.

  • The candidate secured backing from key political figures.
  • The project gained the backing of the local community.

Examples of usage

  • The government provided funding for the research project.
  • The startup secured funding from venture capitalists.
  • She launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funding for her documentary.
Context #2 | Noun

money allocated for a specific purpose

In a more specific sense, funding can also refer to the money set aside for a particular purpose or project. This allocation of funds is often based on budgets or financial plans and is intended to cover the costs associated with the designated activity.

Synonyms

allocation, budget, grant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
funding

Use when referring to the act of providing financial resources for a specific purpose, often in a broad sense.

  • The project received substantial funding from private investors.
  • We need more funding to complete the research.
allocation

Use when referring to the distribution of resources or money among different departments, projects, or groups.

  • The allocation of funds will be decided by the committee.
  • Proper allocation of resources is crucial for the success of the program.
budget

Use when referring to a detailed plan of income and expenditure for a specific period, often within an organization or project.

  • We need to stick to the budget to avoid overspending.
  • The annual budget was approved by the board.
grant

Use when referring to a sum of money given by an organization, especially a government, for a specific purpose that does not need to be repaid.

  • She received a grant to study abroad.
  • The research project was funded by a government grant.

Examples of usage

  • The school received additional funding for its arts program.
  • The museum's expansion project is still waiting for funding approval.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the 20th century, government funding began to expand significantly, especially for education and health care.
  • The establishment of various grant programs in the 1960s and 70s aimed to promote social welfare, research, and the arts.
  • Crowdfunding emerged in the 2000s, allowing individuals to fund projects through small contributions from a large number of people online.

Economics

  • Funding is crucial for startups, as it determines their ability to develop products and enter the market.
  • Government funding can lead to economic stimulation, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
  • Different types of funding include equity funding, debt funding, and grants, each suited for different financial needs and project types.

Education

  • Educational institutions often rely on funding from government sources, private donations, and tuition fees.
  • The disparity in school funding can lead to significant differences in education quality across regions.
  • Scholarships are a form of funding for students that help pay for their education without needing to be repaid.

Pop Culture

  • Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe have changed how creative projects and personal causes are funded.
  • Movies and games often require significant funding; blockbuster films can have budgets in the hundreds of millions.
  • Television shows sometimes seek funding through fan campaigns, showing the role of audiences in sustaining media.

Origin of 'funding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fund' comes from the Latin term 'fundus,' which means 'bottom' or 'ground,' suggesting the foundation of something.
  • It started being used in English around the 16th century to refer to money set aside for a specific purpose.
  • The term evolved to include not only financial resources but also the act of providing those resources.

The word 'funding' originated from the Middle English 'funden,' which means 'to supply with money.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader concept of providing financial support for various endeavors. The importance of funding has grown significantly in modern economies, where it plays a crucial role in driving innovation, research, and development.


See also: fund, funder, fundraiser, fundraising, funds, refund, underfund, underfunding, unfunded.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,543, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.